I have always wanted to vote more than anything else. While my other 11-year-old friends were dreaming of the day they could drive or drink alcohol, I was dreaming of the day I could vote. I watched every debate (that didnāt conflict with my bedtime) and knew every candidate in the primaries name and platform. Now Iāve been 18 for a year and the closer we get to November 8, the less I want to do the one thing Iāve wanted my whole life, vote.
I don't want to vote for a number of reasons, most notably I'm not excited about any of the candidates. Putting aside their beliefs, comments and background, they are just unappealing as people. I had really thought that voting wouldn't be all I did in the 2016 presidential election, I was sure that I would love a candidate enough to want to go out and campaign for them, but clearly that is not the case. I remember sitting at home and seeing everyone at Obama's rally's and debates and the energy and excitement they brought to his campaign, and I just knew that would be me. But this year I shy away from conversations about politics, I don't have a Trump bumper sticker or a Hilary yard sign, I didn't even wear Bernie shirts or buttons for Cruz, I simply watch from the sidelines. And do you know who else is watching from the sidelines? Those 11-year-old kids who are going to remember this as their first election.
They may not remember the candidates or what they stood for but they will remember the crazy antics of the 2016 presidential election. The first presidential election I remember was in 2008, and I think it was a really great election in terms of candidates and campaigns. Each side had candidates that were easy to get behind. They had a lot of support from their party and had loyal followers. This year, the two major candidates, while both do have loyal and enthusiastic supporters, have more people that dislike them. Neither campaign is really inspiring nor a great example of what an American presidential election would normally involve. I feel bad that this is the first election some kids will remember. The candidates hate each other and are rarely even civil to each other, their supports bash the other candidate more than is ever necessary, and there is a lot of yelling and shady behavior.
Although I am a big proponent of voting, all of this makes me not want to vote. Iām disapointed and almost feel guilty that I feel this way. Little, 11-year-old ZoĆ« would be mad if she knew I felt this way. But that doesnāt change my thoughts, voting in the 2016 election isnāt as appealing to me as voting in the 2008 or 2012 election ever was.
With that being said, I do want to make known that I will be voting. Voting is a privilege, something Iāve waited for for 8+ years, and not something I think anyone should take for granted. I will be voting. I donāt know who I plan to vote for yet, but on November 8, my vote will be cast and it will matter, I just may not be very happy about it.
